Cairo and Mogadishu signal a convergence of views over escalating tensions in the Horn of
Africa.
Egypt reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity and condemned the recognition of Somaliland by Israel.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, on Thursday, February 5, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate positions on
regional issues, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Talks focused in particular on the security situation in the Horn of Africa and the challenges to stability in Somalia.
Through its spokesperson, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry reiterated “Egypt’s firm position in support of the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia.”
Cairo said it rejects “the creation of any parallel entity outside of internationally recognised legal frameworks,” condemning Israel’s unilateral recognition of the enclave of Somaliland, which it sees as a violation of international law and Somali sovereignty.
According to Abdelatty, the decision constitutes an escalation that could threaten the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister reiterated Cairo’s commitment to supporting the strengthening of Somali state institutions, particularly in the areas of security and the fight against terrorism and extremism.
He emphasised the importance of training programs offered by Egyptian institutions such as the Egyptian Partnership for Development Agency and the Cairo International Center for Conflict
Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, to develop local human capacities and support stability.
On the multilateral front, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for international efforts to establish sustainable security and development in Somalia, calling for sufficient and sustained financial
support for the African Union mission.
The two ministers discussed preparations for the upcoming session of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which will be chaired by Egypt and will focus on the evolving situation in Somalia, as well as coordination in the lead-up to the African Union Summit.
On the bilateral front, Egypt advocated for a deepening of the strategic partnership in the security, trade, infrastructure, electricity, renewable energy, pharmaceutical, and agri-food sectors.
Abdelatty stressed the need to boost trade, alongside the announced opening of a branch of Bank Misr in Mogadishu, and welcomed the relocation of the Egyptian embassy headquarters to the Somali capital, a first since 1991.
MK/AK/fss/as/APA